CRAFT DISTILLERY

Black Bear Distillery

Green Mountain Falls,
Colorado
— Whiskey, Vodka, Gin

TOURS AVAILABLE

TASTINGS

RESERVATIONS

BOTTLE SALES

DISTILLERY SNAPSHOT

📞 (719) 684-9648
🌐 http://www.blackbeardistillery.com/
📍 10375 Ute Pass Ave, Green Mountain Falls, CO 80819, USA

ABOUT THIS DISTILLERY

Black Bear Distillery sits at 10,375 Ute Pass Avenue in Green Mountain Falls, a tiny mountain town nestled between Colorado Springs and the Pikes Peak region. Founded by husband-and-wife team Steve and Karin Meyer in 2014, this craft distillery emerged from Steve’s longtime fascination with spirits production and the couple’s desire to create something unique in Colorado’s growing craft distilling scene. The distillery operates out of a converted commercial space that they’ve transformed into a working production facility and tasting room, focusing primarily on whiskey, vodka, and gin production using locally-sourced Colorado ingredients whenever possible. The Meyers started small, with Steve handling most of the distillation work while Karin managed the business side, slowly building their reputation in the competitive Colorado craft spirits market. What began as a dream project has evolved into a legitimate operation that’s earned recognition among local spirits enthusiasts and visitors exploring the Pikes Peak region. The intimate scale means you’re likely to meet the owners during your visit, and they’re genuinely passionate about explaining their process and the challenges of running a small distillery in the mountains.

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WHAT SETS THEM APART

Black Bear’s location in tiny Green Mountain Falls sets it apart from most Colorado distilleries that cluster around Denver or Boulder. At over 7,500 feet elevation, they’re dealing with unique distillation challenges that altitude brings—faster evaporation, different atmospheric pressure, and water sourced directly from the Colorado Rockies. The Meyers have embraced the small-batch philosophy out of necessity and conviction, producing spirits in quantities that allow them to personally oversee every step. Their commitment to using Colorado-grown grains when available connects them to the state’s agricultural heritage, though they’re honest about the limitations of local sourcing in a challenging mountain climate. The intimate setting means this isn’t a polished corporate experience but rather a genuine peek behind the curtain of craft distilling.

TOURS AVAILABLE

TASTINGS

FOOD AVAILABLE

COCKTAILS

RESERVATIONS

FAMILY FRIENDLY

BOTTLE SALES

THE VISITOR EXPERIENCE

You’ll step into a working distillery where the copper still and fermentation tanks dominate the space, with the tasting area integrated right into the production floor. The Meyers or their small team typically lead tastings personally, walking you through their current lineup while explaining how altitude affects the distillation process and aging. The atmosphere feels more like visiting friends who happen to make exceptional spirits than a formal tasting room experience. You can see and smell the production happening around you, and the owners are usually happy to answer detailed questions about their techniques, challenges, and the business of craft distilling in a small mountain town.

IS IT WORTH VISITING

If you’re exploring the Pikes Peak area and appreciate craft spirits, Black Bear offers an authentic small-distillery experience that’s increasingly rare as the industry matures. This appeals most to spirits enthusiasts who enjoy meeting the actual makers and learning about production challenges rather than those seeking a polished tourism experience. You’ll get genuine insight into small-batch distilling and taste spirits that reflect their unique mountain location. Don’t expect elaborate tours or fancy facilities—the value here is in the authenticity and the chance to support genuine craft producers who are passionate about their work.

⚠️ VISITING TIPS

Call ahead or check their website before visiting, as hours can be limited and may vary seasonally. The distillery is right on Ute Pass Avenue, making it easy to spot, but parking can be tight during busy mountain tourist seasons. Green Mountain Falls is a small town, so plan to explore the area—maybe combine your visit with a walk around the nearby lake or a meal at one of the local restaurants. Ask Steve about the specific challenges of distilling at altitude if you’re interested in the technical side. The selection may be limited compared to larger distilleries, but that’s part of the charm of visiting a true small-batch operation.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Black Bear Distillery — Visitor FAQ

Do I need to make a reservation to visit?
Yes, it’s strongly recommended to call ahead or check their website before visiting. As a small operation, they may not always be open for tastings, and the owners often handle tours personally.
How does the altitude affect their spirits?
At over 7,500 feet, Black Bear faces unique challenges including faster evaporation, different atmospheric pressure during distillation, and access to pure mountain water. The owners are happy to explain how these factors influence their production process.
What should I expect from the tasting experience?
You’ll taste in the actual production facility with the owners or their small team, learning about their spirits while seeing the equipment in action. It’s an intimate, educational experience rather than a polished tasting room setup.

GETTING THERE

Find Black Bear Distillery

📍10375 Ute Pass Ave, Green Mountain Falls, CO 80819, USA

 — 

📞 (719) 684-9648

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